CAREER JOURNALS

Directions: After reading the career information web site, write a reflection (brief summary) about the information discussed in the article. Use the questions as a guide to writing your reflection, and include your opinion of the information. Do not just rewrite the article, state your opinion and understanding of the information presented in the article.

1. Finding Your First Job
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/teenstudentgrad/a/firstjob.htm

• What type of information should you gather before you start a job search?
• What rules/requirements should you check on?
• What should you consider for your first job?
• What type of list should you create?

2. Getting Your First Part Time Job
http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/justforstudents/a/parttimejob.htm

• What is the most important first step to take?
• What are the 2 reasons you should have a resume?
• Does appearance matter?
• Were can you find a list of companies that have job openings?
• How should you prepare and respond to a company that says NO to you?
• What does the article say and how you communicate?
• What does follow up mean?

3. Writing Your First Resume
http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/resumewriting/a/firstresume.htm

• What is the goal of a resume?
• How can you find out what potential employers are looking for?
• What are some items to include on your resume?
• What is the key to emphasize on your resume?
• Why is the design of your resume important?

-----Sample Resumes and Letters for Students

4. Character and Personal Reference Letters
http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/references/a/character.htm

• What is a character reference?
• Who should you ask to provide a personal reference or write a character reference letter for you?
• Look at the samples of the letters

5. Cover Letter Samples
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverlettsample.htm

• What does the article say about cover letters?
• Look at the examples and write down a couple of ideas that you may be able to use on your cover letter.

6. Teen Interview Tips
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/teeninterview.htm

• What is the key to a successful teen interview?

• What does the article say about teen interview attire?

• Why is it important to practice answering interview questions?

• Why should you be prepare for an interview?

• Is it important to have good manners when interviewing?

• What does the article say about schedule, being on time, going on your own, and sending a thank you note?
  -----Teen Interview Attire Website

7. Email Job Applications
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobapplications/a/jobapplication_4.htm

• When applying for jobs via email, were should you put the cover letter in the email?
• Should you proofread your email? Why?
• Should you include a signature?
• What else should you include in the email?

8. Thank You Letters

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/a/thankyouletters.htm

• Is a thank you letter important?
• How should you set up a thank you letter?
• What type of content should you include on a thank you letter?
• Should you write a group thank you letter?
• Do you need a thank you letter for a lunch or dinner interview?